Ontario RAT-7, Cold steel recon, or ka-bar 1095

I own all three of those knives and I can easily recommend the Cold Steel Recon Scout. The Rat -7 and Ka-bar are excellent knives but they are lighter than the RS which makes chopping with them require more energy to bite deep into the wood or bone/cartilage. As far as the chipping concern, (generally speaking) 1085 is tougher/softer than 1095 steel. RS is SK-5, which is about 1085. And the final consideration which is probably the most important, is the 90 degree angle/stress point that has concerned people who may actually depend on their knife in a life and death situation. I have heard of one RS break at the area where the blade ends and the guard begins. This made me think mine was going to do the same thing. There is also one video of one Trail Master breaking in the exact same spot. Both of these examples where of the American made Carbon V steel which was a harder steel. I wondered why there were not 100's of incidents because this was/is a very popular knife that has been manufactered in 3 or 4 countries. I think the "new" and hopefully improved "Mar-tempered" RS and TM's are really tough. I have beat the snot out of my RS (as it is still under warranty) and it has gone toe to toe with my Busse's. The INFI and SR 101 do hold their edge longer but neither has ever chipped. I think the new steel choice (sk-5/1085) combined with the new martempering have improved the value of this knife. Just my two cents, YMMV. BTW, a SYCO 711 costs a little more money but can deliver as much perfomance as any of the knives you are considering. but act fast as it wont be available at factory pricing for too much longer. Good Luck to you.

Franco
 
I forgot to mention how comfortable the Recon Scouts handles are. They are the poor man's res-c.

Franco
 
All this talk is about the Rat 7 in D2...what about the Rat in 1095? I have a Rat 7 in good ol 1095 and so far it's great! now because of its weight or lack there of, it's not the best chopper, but it gets the job done. If you want a knife that's for sure Gunna be reliable then go with a Becker though. I only say this because I have seen hundreds of Beckers getting thrashed over And over again and they just ask for more! the crew over at BK&T treat their product as if it were their child.
 
Ontario RD7 is a great value and is tough as nails. Easy to sharpen and holds it's edge well. Is still made in the U.S. for anyone who cares. Only downsides are the sheath, which is kinda crappy, and the handles which are uncomfortable to some. Bought a Kydex sheath and sent it to Justin to put in hollow handle pins and reshape the handle a little. One of my favorites.
 
Recon scout out of the bunch. But the BK 7 is a great blade!
If you can afford it the 711 is an excellent choice!
 
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